NFDA Secretary Candidate

Homer E. Elwood, Jr.

I take great pride in being a first-generation funeral director, embarking on my journey in funeral service at the age of 15. I was driven by the ambition to excel in my profession and ultimately own a funeral home, I realized my dream in January 2022, acquiring the firm where I had dedicated 37 years of my career. Our funeral home has remained a family-owned and operated business since its inception in 1935, with my wife and son standing alongside me, serving those in our community who call us to help them. In 2014, I was honored to be selected to serve on the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association Board, an opportunity that allowed me to connect with funeral directors from across the state and forge friendships with peers across the United States. Funeral service is not just my profession; it is my passion. I genuinely believe it is my calling, and I pray that I continue to be blessed with the ability to serve families, support my colleagues in the funeral profession, and mentor others who aspire to join our cherished and noble profession.

My passion is to serve.

I am honored to be considered for the role of NFDA Secretary. With over 41 years of experience, I am eager to give back to the profession that has given me so much. Combining my knowledge with a willingness to embrace change will help us succeed. I am passionate about funeral service and hope to serve as your next NFDA Secretary.

Awards & Recognitions

  • Past Chairman of Laurens First United Methodist Church Council

  • Monthly Lay Speaker at Laurens First United Methodist Church

  • Adult Leader for Salkehatchie Summer Mission Camps

  • Past President of the Laurens Exchange Club

  • Past President of the Laurens County Fair Association

  • Southern Barbecue Network State Champions 2018 & 2019

  • Berkley Lions Club Invitational BBQ Champions 2022

  • Member of the Laurens First United Methodist Church

  • Past President of South Carolina Funeral Directors Association

  • CFSP-CCO

  • Current At Large Board Member of NFDA

  • NFDA Spokesperson and NFDA Audit Task Force Committee

  • Served on the S.C. Board of Funeral Service

  • Served on the S.C. Cremation Task Force

  • School Board Chairman of Laurens Academy

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We all have been questioned as to why we choose the funeral profession as our career. My answer is always that I love the funeral service industry and what I do as a funeral director. I have also been asked why I would like to serve on the NFDA Board. Similarly, my answer is that I love the funeral service and wish to help those who serve in it with trust, honor, and respect, just as I serve my own families. I plan to serve you who are members of NFDA by listening to your concerns and by my willingness to accept the challenges of our profession as opportunities to improve our profession, while not allowing these challenges to define our industry. I don’t see a change in our profession as a negative, but rather as something we can embrace and mold into a positive for funeral service.

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